Hydrocephalus Research Paper

Hydrocephalus Hydrocephalus also known as “water on the brain” is a condition in which there is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. This excessive amount of fluid is called the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which acts a protective barrier for the brain, amongst other things. The excess cerebrospinal fluid widens the ventricle cavities exerting pressure on the brain. This pressure can cause damage to the brain tissues and impair some functions of the brain. Hydrocephalus can affect a wide range of people from infancy to late adulthood. It is estimated that one to two of every thousand children born will have hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is caused by an imbalance of the cerebrospinal fluid that is produced versus how much of the
fluid is absorbed by the bloodstream. More common causes that may lead to this is complications from premature births, traumatic head injuries, brain tumors, bleeding within the brain and diseases such as meningitis. Although rare, it can be inherited genetically or from some developmental disorders. In many cases what leads up to hydrocephalus are still unknown. There are two types of hydrocephalus, congenital and acquired. Congenital hydrocephalus presents at birth and may be caused from complications of birth or fetal developments or genetic abnormalities. Acquired hydrocephalus presents from birth onward and can affect individuals from all ages as a result of some injuries or diseases. The symptoms associated with hydrocephalus vary depending on age and on a case by case basis.
In infants the most noticeable is a rapid increase in the head size or an unusually large head. Vomiting, sleepiness, poor feeding, seizures and eyes fixed in a downward position are physical symptoms that infants can experience. In toddlers and older children headaches and blurred or double vision, poor coordination, irritability or changes in personality as well as abnormal head enlargements are just a few symptoms that can be seen. Young and middle-aged adults suffer from a decline in memory, coordination of balance, difficulty remaining awake or waking up, impaired vision and headaches. Young children and adults share some similar symptoms. In older adults, around the age of 60 and up, some symptoms include loss of bladder, poor coordination, difficulty walking and memory loss. Sometimes diagnosis in older adults can be difficult because the signs and symptoms that present are similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease or
Dementia. There are very few options when it comes to the treatment of hydrocephalus.
Some medications can be used to delay surgery in hopes that normal cerebrospinal fluid absorption begins again naturally. Furosemide and Acetazolamide are medications that decrease the amount of fluid produced and Isosorbide is a medication believed to increase the absorption of the cerebrospinal fluid. Medications are not a long-term solution in treating hydrocephalus. If the issue is not resolved surgery is a must in order to move the fluid. The surgical process inserts a shunt or drainage system that diverts the fluid away from the brain into other parts of the body where the cerebrospinal fluid can be reabsorbed such as the abdomen. This surgical process is only about 25% percent effective and in most cases has to be replaced. The prognosis for individuals with hydrocephalus can be difficult to predict. There are many determinants including how early was an individual diagnosed, what other disorders are affiliated with the diagnosed individual and the effectiveness of the treatment provided. Most individuals that are diagnosed can go on to live a productive life with few or no limitations at all with rehabilitation therapies. Hydrocephalus can be fatal if left
untreated. Although hydrocephalus is a life-long disorder, people are living longer with proper treatment and early diagnosis. Unfortunately, it is not preventable but taking proper precautions during pregnancy and in everyday life can eliminate the risk of developing this condition.